Anthony Mackie Will Play MLK In Forthcoming HBO Movie

Anthony Mackie To Play MLK

Anthony Mackie is all set to join the growing list of Black actors who have played Martin Luther King Jr. in a movie. According to Deadline, Mackie will play MLK in All The Way, the adaptation of the Tony-winning Robert Schenkkan play.

The plot follows Lyndon B. Johnson from the beginning of his 36th presidency (after John F. Kennedy’s assassination) through his career. It goes from his rough first year, which included passing Civil Rights legislation in Congress, up to his landslide re-election triumph.

Deadline says that Mackie’s role will be substantial, and that the film “will portray a far more collaborative and complex relationship than was depicted in the Best Picture nominee Selma.”

Steven Spielberg is executive producing, and production begins in September.

Anthony Mackie is a good actor, but as MLK? I’m not sure about this. David Oyelowo is a tough act to follow.